Making a comeback: ANP focuses on regaining lost ground as others falter

Party leadership’s public gatherings gaining momentum.

PESHAWAR:

Internal rifts, ambitions of national politics and dreams of toppling the federal government are dominating politics in K-P, but the one player that is focused on regaining lost ground is Awami National Party (ANP).

Over the last few weeks, the ANP has held conventions and public meetings in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Shangla in a bid to end the political isolation caused by terrorist attacks on its leaders and activists before the 2013 general elections. With the ruling PTI’s attention diverted elsewhere, ANP’s plan to reconnect with its power base in K-P could not have come at a more opportune time. The ruling party is embroiled in its battle with PML-N-led federal government and the last time PTI Chairperson Imran Khan visited the province was on November 18.



Another major threat to the ANP is JUI-F, but it seems this party has held back on its political activity after the suicide attack on its chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The leader would frequently visit his native province, but has not appeared for any public activity since he narrowly escaped from the incident in Quetta.

The last meaningful political activity in K-P by the JUI-F was hosting the Haji Sahib Turangzai conference in Charsadda on December 4. However, Fazl was not present.

That leaves PPP, which is bogged down with internal rifts and a turf war. The party leadership is currently trying to reorganise matters on the district level and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is likely to visit Peshawar early next year to sort out the mess.

His presence is likely to exert pressure on the disgruntled party workers and convince them to stop wrangling with the present leadership.

As far as JI is concerned, its Central Ameer Sirajul Haq seems more focused on national politics and recently held a large public gathering in Lahore, while another one is planned for Karachi.

Lost space?

ANP was forced to stay away from mainstream politics due to Taliban attacks targeting the party leadership and activists before the 2013 general elections. However, Operation Zarb-e-Azb’s launch in North Waziristan has seemingly weakened the Taliban considerably.

On the other hand, lack of attention on K-P from other political forces has allowed the party to reconnect with its vote bank across the province. The plan to regain ground also seems strategic as most public gatherings were held in Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan.

The central K-P region forms the core of ANP’s power base. The party held a worker’s convention in Peshawar on November 14, which was addressed by ANP Central President Asfandyar Wali Khan.

On December 5, the party chief addressed another workers’ convention in Nowshera, while ANP put on an impressive show of power in Mardan on December 14.

The party has elected a new provincial and district leadership for the province and the central level. It seems increased public engagements are an effort to test the party’s new leadership.

ANP’s K-P Information Secretary Sardar Hussain Babak said since his party is a political force with its roots in the masses, the mobilisation of workers is crucial for survival.

“We will arrange events at the district and constituency levels across the province,” Babak said. He asserted the party’s difficult times are now behind it, adding no other political force has suffered as much as ANP has over the last few years.

Answering a query regarding PTI, Babak said, “Our mandate was stolen at gunpoint and our party was denied a level playing field during elections.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2014.